Psalm 89 meaning explained in AI Summary
Psalm 89 is a lengthy and emotionally charged psalm that grapples with the apparent disconnect between God's promises and the reality of suffering experienced by David's lineage and the people of Israel.
of the psalm's key themes:
Part 1: God's Covenant Faithfulness (verses 1-37)
- Unwavering Loyalty: The psalm begins with a powerful declaration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, rooted in the covenant with David (verses 1-4).
- Cosmic Power: It celebrates God's awesome power over creation and his authority over all nations (verses 5-18).
- Davidic Covenant: The heart of this section reaffirms God's covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty and unwavering support (verses 19-37).
Part 2: Lament over Broken Promises (verses 38-51)
- Abrupt Shift: The tone shifts dramatically as the psalmist laments the apparent failure of God's promises. The Davidic king is in ruins, seemingly abandoned by God (verses 38-45).
- Painful Questions: The psalmist cries out to God, questioning his faithfulness and the purpose of the covenant in the face of such suffering (verses 46-51).
Part 3: Plea for Restoration (verse 52)
- Desperate Plea: The psalm concludes with a brief but desperate plea for God to remember his covenant and show mercy to his people once again.
Key Themes:
- Theological Tension: Psalm 89 highlights the tension between God's faithfulness and the reality of suffering, a struggle present throughout the Bible.
- Covenant Faithfulness: Despite the lament, the psalm affirms the enduring nature of God's covenant with David, even when circumstances seem to contradict it.
- Hope in God's Character: Ultimately, the psalm rests on the hope that God, in his own time and way, will remain faithful to his promises and restore his people.
Interpretations:
Psalm 89 can be interpreted in various ways:
- Historical: Reflecting the struggles of the Davidic kings after Solomon.
- Messianic: Foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Jesus Christ, who endured suffering to bring about ultimate restoration.
- Personal: Resonating with individuals facing trials and questioning God's faithfulness in their own lives.
No matter the interpretation, Psalm 89 encourages honest dialogue with God in the midst of suffering, clinging to the hope found in his unwavering character and promises.
Psalm 89 bible study ai commentary
Psalm 89 recounts the glories of God’s covenant with David, juxtaposing it with a deep, painful lament over the nation’s current state of disaster and the apparent failure of God's promises. It is a powerful theological struggle, moving from exuberant praise of God’s faithfulness (hesed) and power, to a detailed recitation of the eternal Davidic covenant, and culminating in a raw cry to God, questioning why the reality on the ground so starkly contradicts His sworn oath. The psalm grapples with the problem of suffering in light of God's promises, leaving the question unresolved but ending with a declaration of praise.
Psalm 89 context
The psalm is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, a man known for his wisdom during Solomon's reign (1 Kings 4:31). However, the content, particularly the lament over a deposed king and a broken kingdom, strongly suggests it was written or adapted during a time of national catastrophe, most likely the Babylonian Exile (c. 586 BC). This was the moment the Davidic monarchy ended, the temple was destroyed, and the covenant seemed utterly void. The psalm is a powerful piece of "covenantal litigation," where the author holds up God's own sworn promises and asks Him to account for the devastating contradiction seen in history. Its literary structure is a masterful progression from praise (vv. 1-18), to promise (vv. 19-37), to protest (vv. 38-51).
Psalm 89:1–2
A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
In-depth-analysis
- Foundation of Faith: The psalm opens by stating its central themes: God's steadfast love (
hesed
) and faithfulness (emunah
). These two concepts are the bedrock of the entire argument. - Word:
Hesed
is not just emotion; it is loyal, covenantal love.Emunah
is firmness, reliability, and truthfulness. The psalmist declares these attributes are eternal and foundational, like the heavens themselves. - Eternal Proclamation: The vow to "make known" this faithfulness "to all generations" immediately creates tension, as the latter part of the psalm will cry out that the current generation sees no evidence of it.
Bible references
- Lamentations 3:22-23: 'The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.' (Directly pairs
hesed
andemunah
). - Deuteronomy 7:9: 'Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love (
hesed
) with those who love him...' (Defines God by His covenant faithfulness).
Cross references
Ex 34:6 (God’s character revealed), Ps 36:5 (faithfulness reaches heavens), Ps 119:90 (faithfulness to all generations), Isa 55:3 (sure hesed
of David).
Psalm 89:3–4
You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’”
In-depth-analysis
- Quoting God: The psalmist now quotes the divine promise, the Davidic Covenant. This is not his opinion but God's own sworn oath.
- Unconditional Language: The terms are absolute: "I have made," "I have sworn," "I will establish," "forever." This language forms the legal basis for the complaint that will follow in verses 38-51.
- Key Elements: The promise involves a chosen one (David), a servant, a covenant (
berith
), an oath, eternal offspring (zera
), and an eternal throne (kisse
).
Bible references
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16: 'I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. ... My steadfast love shall not depart from him... And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever...' (The original source of the covenant being quoted).
- Luke 1:32-33: 'The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.' (The ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, echoing this exact language).
Cross references
Ps 132:11 (God’s oath to David), 1 Ch 17:11-14 (Parallel account of covenant), Acts 2:30 (Peter citing the promise), Isa 9:7 (Throne of David forever).
Psalm 89:5–8
Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?
In-depth-analysis
- Cosmic Praise: The praise shifts from personal declaration to the cosmic realm. God's faithfulness (
emunah
) is a spectacle for the heavens and the angelic "assembly of the holy ones." - Incomparability: The rhetorical questions establish God's absolute uniqueness. No "heavenly being" (sons of God,
bene 'elim
) can compare. This is a direct challenge to the polytheistic idea of a pantheon with rival gods. - God of Hosts: The title
Yahweh Elohe Tseba'oth
(Lord God of hosts) emphasizes His command over all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His immense power.
Bible references
- Job 1:6: 'Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD...' (Illustrates the heavenly council/assembly).
- Psalm 29:1: 'Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings (
bene 'elim
), ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.' (Shows angels giving God glory).
Cross references
Ps 19:1 (Heavens declare glory), Dt 3:24 (Who is a god like you?), Jer 10:6-7 (None like you), Rev 15:4 (Who will not fear you?).
Psalm 89:9–13
You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them...
In-depth-analysis
- Sovereignty over Chaos: God’s rule over the raging sea (
Yam
) demonstrates His power over the forces of chaos and destruction. - Word:
Rahab
(arrogance/pride) is a name for a mythological sea monster representing primeval chaos, and also a poetic name for Egypt (Isaiah 30:7). By crushing Rahab, God is declared sovereign over both cosmic chaos and historical enemies. - Creation as Victory: God's creation of the world is portrayed not just as an act of making, but as an effortless victory, establishing his ownership over everything. Tabor and Hermon (mountains) joyfully praise His name.
Bible references
- Isaiah 51:9: 'Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the dragon? Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep...' (Directly connects the "Rahab" myth to the Exodus event and God's defeat of Egypt).
- Mark 4:39: 'And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.' (Jesus demonstrates this same divine authority over the chaotic sea).
Cross references
Job 26:12 (God stills the sea), Job 38:8-11 (God setting boundaries for sea), Ps 24:1-2 (Earth is the Lord’s), Ps 65:7 (Stills roaring of seas).
Polemics
This section is a direct polemic against Canaanite mythology, specifically the Baal Cycle. In those myths, the storm-god Baal engages in a life-and-death struggle to defeat the sea-god Yam. In contrast, the psalmist portrays Yahweh as effortlessly ruling the sea and having already crushed the chaos monster Rahab. God's power is absolute and unrivaled.
Psalm 89:14–18
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
In-depth-analysis
- Foundation of Governance: God's throne is not founded on raw power alone, but on righteousness (
tsedeq
) and justice (mishpat
). His character is the basis of His rule. - Walking in Light: "Blessed are the people" who live in relationship with this King, guided by His presence ("light of your face") and celebrating His name.
- Symbol of the Horn: The "horn" is a potent symbol of strength, power, and victory. The people's strength is a gift from God's favor, not their own.
- Divine Ownership: The "shield" (the king/protector) ultimately belongs to the Lord. The earthly king is merely God's representative.
Bible references
- Psalm 97:2: 'Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.' (Identical description of God's throne).
- Luke 1:69: 'And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.' (Zechariah's prophecy applies this image of the exalted horn directly to the coming Messiah).
Cross references
Nu 10:10 (Festal shout/trumpets), Pr 16:12 (Throne upheld by righteousness), Ps 4:6 (Light of your face), 1 Sam 2:1 (My horn is exalted).
Psalm 89:19–29
Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him... He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.
In-depth-analysis
- Recalling the Vision: The psalmist now expands on the covenant, recounting the vision given to the "godly one" (likely Nathan or Samuel).
- God's Initiative: It emphasizes God's sovereign choice ("I have found," "I have chosen," "I have anointed"). David's status is entirely a result of divine grace and action.
- Father-Son Language: The king's adoption as God's "son" ("You are my Father") and being made "firstborn" signifies a unique, intimate relationship and a position of supreme honor and inheritance among all earthly kings.
- Eternal Guarantees: Again, God's
hesed
andberith
(covenant) are declared to be eternal and unshakeable for David and his line.
Bible references
- Acts 13:22: 'And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart...’' (Paul quotes this section in his sermon).
- Colossians 1:15,18: 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation... He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead...' (The "firstborn" title is applied to Jesus in its ultimate, cosmic sense).
Cross references
1 Sam 16:1,12 (Anointing of David), Ps 2:7 (You are my Son), 2 Sam 7:14 (I will be to him a father), Rev 1:5 (Ruler of kings on earth).
Psalm 89:30–37
If his children forsake my law and do not walk in my rules... then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies.”
In-depth-analysis
- The Disobedience Clause: This is the critical section for the lament. God anticipates the failure and sin of David's descendants.
- Discipline, Not Annulment: The consequence of sin is divine punishment and discipline ("rod" and "stripes"), but explicitly not the removal of
hesed
or the breaking of the covenant. This distinction is crucial. - Unbreakable Oath: God swears by His own holiness—His very nature—that He will not lie or go back on His word.
- Cosmic Endurance: The permanence of David's throne is compared to the sun and moon, the most reliable and enduring elements of creation. The moon is a "faithful witness" to God's promise.
Bible references
- Hebrews 12:6: 'For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.' (Explains the New Covenant principle of loving, fatherly discipline).
- Jeremiah 33:20-21: 'If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night... then also my covenant with David my servant may be broken...' (Uses the same creation imagery to affirm the covenant's permanence).
Cross references
2 Sa 7:14-15 (Discipline clause), Ps 119:89 (Your word is firmly fixed), Heb 6:17-18 (Unchangeable character of his purpose), Jer 31:35-36 (Fixed order of sun/moon).
Psalm 89:38–45
But you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed. You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust. You have breached all his walls; you have laid his strongholds in ruins... You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground.
In-depth-analysis
- The Great "But": The word "But" marks the dramatic, shocking turn from promise to protest. The tone shifts entirely to lament.
- Reversal of Fortune: The psalmist presents a list of accusations against God, using powerful verbs: cast off (
zanach
), rejected, renounced, defiled. Each point is a direct contradiction of the promises just recited. - The Current Reality: The imagery is of total military defeat and national humiliation. The king's crown is in the dust, his throne is overturned, his reign cut short. This perfectly matches the historical reality of the Babylonian Exile. The promises seem utterly false.
Bible references
- Lamentations 5:16: 'The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!' (A parallel lament over the same national disaster).
- Psalm 44:9: 'But you have rejected us and disgraced us and have not gone out with our armies.' (Another community lament with a similar "but you..." turning point).
Cross references
Lam 2:2 (Thrown down strongholds), Isa 5:5 (Breaking down the wall), Ps 80:12 (Why have you broken down its walls?).
Psalm 89:46–51
How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! What man can live and never see death?... Lord, where are your former steadfast loves, which you swore to David in your faithfulness? Remember, O Lord, how your servants are taunted...
In-depth-analysis
- The Cry of Lament: "How long?" is the archetypal cry of God's suffering people. It combines a plea for intervention with a complaint about God's apparent absence.
- Human Frailty: The psalmist appeals to God based on human mortality and fragility ("how short my time is"). Life is too short to wait forever for a promise to be fulfilled.
- The Central Question: Verse 49 is the heart of the lament: "Lord, where is your former
hesed
...?" He is calling God to remember His own oath and act consistently with His own character. - The Taunt of Enemies: The lament ends with the shame of being taunted by enemies, who mock the very promise of a messiah ("the steps of your anointed"). The nation's shame is God's shame.
Bible references
- Psalm 13:1: 'How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?' (The classic "How long?" psalm).
- 2 Peter 3:4: 'They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."' (Echoes the taunt about a delayed promise).
Cross references
Ps 6:3 (How long O Lord?), Job 7:7 (Remember my life is a breath), Ps 79:5 (How long will you be angry?), Hab 1:2 (O Lord, how long shall I cry for help?).
Psalm 89:52
Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.
In-depth-analysis
- Abrupt Doxology: This verse stands apart from the lament. It feels sudden, but it serves a vital liturgical and theological purpose.
- Close of Book III: This benediction officially concludes the third book of the Psalter (Psalms 73-89).
- Faith Despite Circumstances: Despite the unresolved crisis and the raw, unanswered questions, the final word is praise. It asserts faith in God's character even when His actions are incomprehensible. It's a refusal to let lament be the final word.
Bible references
- Psalm 41:13; 72:18-19; 106:48: (Similar doxologies that close Books I, II, and IV of the Psalter).
- Job 1:21: '...the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.' (The ultimate expression of praise in the midst of suffering and confusion).
Cross references
Neh 9:5 (Bless the Lord), Rom 11:36 (To him be glory forever).
Psalm chapter 89 analysis
- The Unresolved Question: Psalm 89 is intentionally left with a hanging question. It presents the apparent failure of God's covenant and cries out, "Where is the promised King?" Within the Old Testament, there is no answer. This theological tension creates a powerful sense of longing and expectation, pointing forward to a future, greater fulfillment.
- Christological Solution: The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the definitive answer to the cry of Psalm 89. He is the Son of David whose kingdom is eternal (Luke 1:32-33). He endured the ultimate "casting off" and suffering described in verses 38-45 on the cross, thereby exhausting the covenant's curse for sin. His resurrection is the ultimate vindication of God's faithfulness, establishing His throne as the Son of David "as the sun before me" (v. 36).
- Faith as Covenantal Argument: The psalm teaches that true faith is not the absence of doubt or questions. It models a faith that is so confident in God's revealed character and promises that it can argue and plead with God on the basis of His own Word when reality seems to contradict it.
- Book III Theme: Psalm 89 is a fitting capstone to Book III of the Psalter (Psalms 73-89), which largely deals with the crisis of faith brought on by the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile. It encapsulates the core problem of that entire era.
Psalm 89 summary
Psalm 89 is a majestic and deeply emotional song that first celebrates God’s eternal faithfulness and power, then recites the specifics of His unconditional covenant with David. This praise and promise collide with a raw, painful lament over the nation's current state of destruction, where the king is deposed and the covenant seems broken. The psalmist holds God to His own word, asking "Where is your steadfast love?" The psalm ends without resolving the conflict, instead concluding with a declaration of praise, modeling a faith that trusts God even when His ways are incomprehensible and pointing toward the need for a future fulfillment of the Davidic promise in Christ.
Psalm 89 AI Image Audio and Video









Psalm chapter 89 kjv
- 1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
- 2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
- 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
- 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
- 5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
- 6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?
- 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
- 8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
- 9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
- 10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
- 11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.
- 12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
- 13 Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
- 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
- 15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
- 16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
- 17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.
- 18 For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
- 19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
- 20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
- 21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
- 22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
- 23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
- 24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
- 25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
- 26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
- 27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
- 28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
- 29 His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
- 30 If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;
- 31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;
- 32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
- 33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
- 34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
- 35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.
- 36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.
- 37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
- 38 But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.
- 39 Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
- 40 Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.
- 41 All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
- 42 Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
- 43 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.
- 44 Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
- 45 The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
- 46 How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
- 47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
- 48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
- 49 Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
- 50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
- 51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.
- 52 Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
Psalm chapter 89 nkjv
- 1 A Contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
- 2 For I have said, "Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens."
- 3 "I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David:
- 4 'Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.' " Selah
- 5 And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.
- 6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD?
- 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.
- 8 O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
- 9 You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.
- 10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
- 11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.
- 12 The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.
- 13 You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.
- 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.
- 15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.
- 16 In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
- 17 For You are the glory of their strength, And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
- 18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, And our king to the Holy One of Israel.
- 19 Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one, And said: "I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
- 20 I have found My servant David; With My holy oil I have anointed him,
- 21 With whom My hand shall be established; Also My arm shall strengthen him.
- 22 The enemy shall not outwit him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
- 23 I will beat down his foes before his face, And plague those who hate him.
- 24 "But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, And in My name his horn shall be exalted.
- 25 Also I will set his hand over the sea, And his right hand over the rivers.
- 26 He shall cry to Me, 'You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.'
- 27 Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.
- 28 My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him.
- 29 His seed also I will make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven.
- 30 "If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments,
- 31 If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments,
- 32 Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes.
- 33 Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail.
- 34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
- 35 Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:
- 36 His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me;
- 37 It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky." Selah
- 38 But You have cast off and abhorred, You have been furious with Your anointed.
- 39 You have renounced the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
- 40 You have broken down all his hedges; You have brought his strongholds to ruin.
- 41 All who pass by the way plunder him; He is a reproach to his neighbors.
- 42 You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies rejoice.
- 43 You have also turned back the edge of his sword, And have not sustained him in the battle.
- 44 You have made his glory cease, And cast his throne down to the ground.
- 45 The days of his youth You have shortened; You have covered him with shame. Selah
- 46 How long, LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?
- 47 Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men?
- 48 What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah
- 49 Lord, where are Your former lovingkindnesses, Which You swore to David in Your truth?
- 50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants? How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples,
- 51 With which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD, With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.
- 52 Blessed be the LORD forevermore! Amen and Amen.
Psalm chapter 89 niv
- 1 A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
- 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
- 3 You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant,
- 4 'I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.'?"
- 5 The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
- 6 For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?
- 7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.
- 8 Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
- 9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.
- 10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
- 11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.
- 12 You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
- 13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
- 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
- 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
- 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
- 17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.
- 18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
- 19 Once you spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said: "I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people.
- 20 I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.
- 21 My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him.
- 22 The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him.
- 23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries.
- 24 My faithful love will be with him, and through my name his horn will be exalted.
- 25 I will set his hand over the sea, his right hand over the rivers.
- 26 He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.'
- 27 And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth.
- 28 I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail.
- 29 I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.
- 30 "If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes,
- 31 if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands,
- 32 I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging;
- 33 but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.
- 34 I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.
- 35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness? and I will not lie to David?
- 36 that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun;
- 37 it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky."
- 38 But you have rejected, you have spurned, you have been very angry with your anointed one.
- 39 You have renounced the covenant with your servant and have defiled his crown in the dust.
- 40 You have broken through all his walls and reduced his strongholds to ruins.
- 41 All who pass by have plundered him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
- 42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice.
- 43 Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword and have not supported him in battle.
- 44 You have put an end to his splendor and cast his throne to the ground.
- 45 You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with a mantle of shame.
- 46 How long, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?
- 47 Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all humanity!
- 48 Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
- 49 Lord, where is your former great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David?
- 50 Remember, Lord, how your servant has been mocked, how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the nations,
- 51 the taunts with which your enemies, LORD, have mocked, with which they have mocked every step of your anointed one.
- 52 Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.
Psalm chapter 89 esv
- 1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
- 2 For I said, "Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness."
- 3 You have said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant:
- 4 'I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah
- 5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
- 6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,
- 7 a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?
- 8 O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?
- 9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.
- 10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
- 11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
- 12 The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
- 13 You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand.
- 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
- 15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
- 16 who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted.
- 17 For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted.
- 18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
- 19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.
- 20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him,
- 21 so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
- 22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him.
- 23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
- 24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
- 25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
- 26 He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'
- 27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
- 28 My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.
- 29 I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens.
- 30 If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules,
- 31 if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments,
- 32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes,
- 33 but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness.
- 34 I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
- 35 Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David.
- 36 His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me.
- 37 Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies." Selah
- 38 But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed.
- 39 You have renounced the covenant with your servant; you have defiled his crown in the dust.
- 40 You have breached all his walls; you have laid his strongholds in ruins.
- 41 All who pass by plunder him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
- 42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice.
- 43 You have also turned back the edge of his sword, and you have not made him stand in battle.
- 44 You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground.
- 45 You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with shame. Selah
- 46 How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?
- 47 Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man!
- 48 What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
- 49 Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
- 50 Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations,
- 51 with which your enemies mock, O LORD, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.
- 52 Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.
Psalm chapter 89 nlt
- 1 I will sing of the LORD's unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. - 2 Your unfailing love will last forever.
Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. - 3 The LORD said, "I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant.
I have sworn this oath to him: - 4 'I will establish your descendants as kings forever;
they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.'" Interlude - 5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, LORD;
myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness. - 6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD?
What mightiest angel is anything like the LORD? - 7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God.
He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne. - 8 O LORD God of Heaven's Armies!
Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD?
You are entirely faithful. - 9 You rule the oceans.
You subdue their storm-tossed waves. - 10 You crushed the great sea monster.
You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. - 11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours;
everything in the world is yours ? you created it all. - 12 You created north and south.
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name. - 13 Powerful is your arm!
Strong is your hand!
Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. - 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.
Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. - 15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. - 16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness. - 17 You are their glorious strength.
It pleases you to make us strong. - 18 Yes, our protection comes from the LORD,
and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. - 19 Long ago you spoke in a vision to your faithful people.
You said, "I have raised up a warrior.
I have selected him from the common people to be king. - 20 I have found my servant David.
I have anointed him with my holy oil. - 21 I will steady him with my hand;
with my powerful arm I will make him strong. - 22 His enemies will not defeat him,
nor will the wicked overpower him. - 23 I will beat down his adversaries before him
and destroy those who hate him. - 24 My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
and by my authority he will grow in power. - 25 I will extend his rule over the sea,
his dominion over the rivers. - 26 And he will call out to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' - 27 I will make him my firstborn son,
the mightiest king on earth. - 28 I will love him and be kind to him forever;
my covenant with him will never end. - 29 I will preserve an heir for him;
his throne will be as endless as the days of heaven. - 30 But if his descendants forsake my instructions
and fail to obey my regulations, - 31 if they do not obey my decrees
and fail to keep my commands, - 32 then I will punish their sin with the rod,
and their disobedience with beating. - 33 But I will never stop loving him
nor fail to keep my promise to him. - 34 No, I will not break my covenant;
I will not take back a single word I said. - 35 I have sworn an oath to David,
and in my holiness I cannot lie: - 36 His dynasty will go on forever;
his kingdom will endure as the sun. - 37 It will be as eternal as the moon,
my faithful witness in the sky!" Interlude - 38 But now you have rejected him and cast him off.
You are angry with your anointed king. - 39 You have renounced your covenant with him;
you have thrown his crown in the dust. - 40 You have broken down the walls protecting him
and ruined every fort defending him. - 41 Everyone who comes along has robbed him,
and he has become a joke to his neighbors. - 42 You have strengthened his enemies
and made them all rejoice. - 43 You have made his sword useless
and refused to help him in battle. - 44 You have ended his splendor
and overturned his throne. - 45 You have made him old before his time
and publicly disgraced him. Interlude - 46 O LORD, how long will this go on?
Will you hide yourself forever?
How long will your anger burn like fire? - 47 Remember how short my life is,
how empty and futile this human existence! - 48 No one can live forever; all will die.
No one can escape the power of the grave. Interlude - 49 Lord, where is your unfailing love?
You promised it to David with a faithful pledge. - 50 Consider, Lord, how your servants are disgraced!
I carry in my heart the insults of so many people. - 51 Your enemies have mocked me, O LORD;
they mock your anointed king wherever he goes. - 52 Praise the LORD forever!
Amen and amen!
- Bible Book of Psalm
- 1 Blessed is the Man
- 2 The Reign of the Lord's Anointed
- 3 Save Me, O My God
- 4 Answer Me When I Call
- 5 Lead Me in Your Righteousness
- 6 O Lord, Deliver My Life
- 7 In You Do I Take Refuge
- 8 How Majestic Is Your Name
- 9 I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds
- 10 Why Do You Hide Yourself?
- 11 The Lord Is in His Holy Temple
- 12 The Faithful Have Vanished
- 13 How Long, O Lord?
- 14 Only a Fool says there is No God
- 15 Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill?
- 16 You Will Not Abandon My Soul
- 17 In the Shadow of Your Wings
- 18 The Lord Is My Rock and My Fortress
- 19 The Law of the Lord Is Perfect
- 20 Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God
- 21 The King Rejoices in the Lord's Strength
- 22 Why Have You Forsaken Me?
- 23 The Lord is my Shepherd
- 24 The King of Glory
- 25 Teach Me Your Paths
- 26 I Will Bless the Lord
- 27 The Lord is my light and Salvation
- 28 The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield
- 29 Ascribe to the Lord Glory
- 30 Joy comes in the morning
- 31 Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit
- 32 Blessed Are the Forgiven
- 33 The Steadfast Love of the Lord
- 34 I will bless the Lord at all times
- 35 Prayer for Unjust situation
- 36 How Precious Is Your Steadfast Love
- 37 Fret not thyself
- 38 Do Not Forsake Me, O Lord
- 39 What Is the Measure of My Days?
- 40 My Help and My Deliverer
- 41 O Lord, Be Gracious to Me
- 42 As the Deer Pants for the Water
- 43 Send Out Your Light and Your Truth
- 44 Come to Our Help
- 45 Your Throne, O God, Is Forever
- 46 The Lord is my refuge
- 47 Clap your hands all ye people
- 48 Great is the Lord and greatly to be Praised
- 49 Why Should I Fear in Times of Trouble?
- 50 God Himself Is Judge
- 51 Repentance Prayer for Cleansing
- 52 The Steadfast Love of God Endures
- 53 There Is None Who Does Good
- 54 The Lord Upholds My Life
- 55 Cast Your Burden on the Lord
- 56 In God I Trust
- 57 Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth
- 58 God Who Judges the Earth
- 59 The Lord is my Strong Tower
- 60 Prayer to Restore Favor of God
- 61 Lead Me to the Rock
- 62 My Soul Waits for God Alone
- 63 My Soul Thirsts for You
- 64 Hide Me from the Wicked
- 65 O God of Our Salvation
- 66 How Awesome Are Your Deeds
- 67 Make Your Face Shine upon Us
- 68 God Shall Scatter His Enemies
- 69 Save Me, O God
- 70 O Lord, Do Not Delay
- 71 Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent
- 72 Give the King Your Justice
- 73 God Is My Strength and Portion Forever
- 74 Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause
- 75 God Will Judge with Equity
- 76 Who Can Stand Before You?
- 77 In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord
- 78 Tell the Coming Generation
- 79 How Long, O Lord?
- 80 Restore Us, O God
- 81 Oh, That My People Would Listen to Me
- 82 Rescue the Weak and Needy
- 83 O God, Do Not Keep Silence
- 84 My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord
- 85 Revive Us Again
- 86 Great Is Your Steadfast Love
- 87 Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
- 88 I Cry Out Day and Night Before You
- 89 I Will Sing of the Steadfast Love of the Lord
- 90 From Everlasting to Everlasting
- 91 He who Dwells in the Secret Place
- 92 How Great Are Your Works
- 93 The Lord Reigns
- 94 The Lord Will Not Forsake His People
- 95 Let Us Sing Songs of Praise
- 96 Sing a new song unto the Lord
- 97 The Lord Reigns
- 98 Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord
- 99 The Lord Our God Is Holy
- 100 Make a joyful noise
- 101 I Will Walk with Integrity
- 102 Do Not Hide Your Face from Me
- 103 Bless the Lord, O My Soul
- 104 O Lord My God, You Are Very Great
- 105 Tell of All His Wonderful Works
- 106 Give Thanks to the Lord, for He Is Good
- 107 O give thanks unto the Lord
- 108 With God We Shall Do Valiantly
- 109 Prayer against the enemy
- 110 Sit at My Right Hand
- 111 Great Are the Lord's Works
- 112 The Righteous Will Never Be Moved
- 113 Who is like the Lord
- 114 Tremble at the Presence of the Lord
- 115 To Your Name Give Glory
- 116 I Love the Lord
- 117 The Lord's Faithfulness Endures Forever
- 118 Give thanks to the Lord
- 119 Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
- 120 Deliver Me, O Lord
- 121 I lift my eyes up to the hills
- 122 I was glad when they said unto me
- 123 Our Eyes Look to the Lord Our God
- 124 If it had not been for the Lord on my side
- 125 The Lord Surrounds His People
- 126 Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord
- 127 Unless the Lord Builds the House
- 128 Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the Lord
- 129 They Have Afflicted Me from My Youth
- 130 My Soul Waits for the Lord
- 131 I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul
- 132 The Lord Has Chosen Zion
- 133 How good and pleasant it is to live in unity
- 134 Come, Bless the Lord
- 135 Praise ye the Lord Yah
- 136 O give thanks unto the Lord
- 137 How Shall We Sing the Lord's Song?
- 138 Give Thanks to the Lord
- 139 Search me oh God who knows all things
- 140 Lord Deliver me from Evil
- 141 Give Ear to My Voice
- 142 You Are My Refuge
- 143 My Soul Thirsts for You
- 144 My Rock and My Fortress
- 145 Great Is the Lord
- 146 Put Not Your Trust in Princes
- 147 He Heals the Brokenhearted
- 148 Praise the Name of the Lord
- 149 Sing to the Lord a New Song
- 150 Let Everything Praise the Lord